Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The murder case involving 32-year-old taxi driver Francis Nana and the death of Liberia National Police Patrolman Mark D. Bracewell has officially commenced at Criminal Court “A,” drawing public attention as jury selection gets underway.
The terrible event that took place on September 28 at the base of the Gabriel Tucker Bridge remains apparent by Liberia’s security community. According to the authorities, Nana intentionally drove past a police roadblock, which resulted in Patrolman Bracewell’s tragic death.
Police records state that Nana, driving a yellow Nissan Almera, refused to stop and instead sped toward the checkpoint while Zone Two Base officers were performing routine inspections.
In an effort to defend himself, Patrolman Bracewell allegedly leaped onto the car’s hood, but Nana kept speeding in the direction of Vai Town. Before the car struck a concrete barrier and killed the cop, witnesses reported hearing him beg for his life.
According to the prosecution, Nana’s conduct met the requirements for murder under Liberian law because they were deliberate and careless. Claims of brake failure were further refuted by a police mechanical inspection, which showed that the car was operating normally at the time of the event.
However, the defense led by Atty. Jeremiah Dugbo, argues that the incident was not premeditated describing it instead as a tragic accident without motive or intent. Nine jurors were chosen today as the formal jury selection process got underway in Criminal Court “A.” The procedure is anticipated to proceed tomorrow, Wednesday, March 24, 2026.
Many Liberians are monitoring what is expected to be a historic trial that might have a significant impact on justice and accountability in the nation’s security services now that the case is in court.
Reported by: Mariama Jalloh
